Betamarsh is a residential treatment program, which is privately owned by Betty Bedard Bidwell, who is stepping down as Executive Director. The program started in 1981 for children and youth from ages of five to 21.

Born and raised in Goderich, Bedard Bidwell returned when starting the program, because she took into consideration an area where services were needed and an area that didn’t have such a type of program.

The program serves not only Huron County, but receives files that come from out of province as well, for youth that are in need of treatment.

Some are children who have been traumatized, some struggle with mental health issues, some are those who struggle with behavioural issues, some are who struggle with the law and some are those who have no had a fair start in their life.

Betamarsh is a program that helps give them the base for a chance to succeed with a lot of program treatments and life skills.

Cases are referred to Betamarsh through Children’s Aid Society (CAS) and can be referred through Children Services Network (CSN). They can be referred with the parents’ involvement, without losing Crown Wardship of their youth.

“We have to be a right fit for them and I want them to agree and feel comfortable on what we have to offer,” says Bedard Bidwell.

“We have three housing, residential programs. One is an all girls and the other two are all boys.”

Blake Muxlow who has been working at Betamarsh for just under five years, will step in as the new Executive Director.

“I have big shoes to fill but Betty, since the time I have known her, has taught me so much and has really opened up her arms to teach me more. A lot of this stuff, that I know now, in the job that I’m doing, goes way beyond my education. It’s actually through Betty’s mentorship and the hands on experience I’ve earned,” Muxlow says.

Muxlow went to school for sociology and criminology, and since receiving his Bachelor of Arts, he went to Toronto and completed a degree in forensics and investigations.

Since working at Betamarsh, Muxlow has gone back to York University and took part in a continuing education program on mediation, which means he is in the process of becoming certified as a mediator.

In addition to stepping in as the new Executive Director, Muxlow has plans on running a private practice.

As the Executive Director, Bedard Bidwell states that, “the buck stops here” with that position, in regards to dealing with the cases, with the kids, the staff and the ministries.

Bedard Bidwell, a registered art therapist and trauma and loss specialist, has an extensive background when it comes to dealing with troubled youth. Initially she studied therapeutic rec, then was employed as a child and youth worker and eventually ended up with a doctorate in counselling.

Bedard Bidwell explains how Betamarsh began operating in 1981 and how, “prior to that I had worked at several agencies, more institutional settings. I felt that I wanted to do something different and provide treatment, long-term and more of a home type of atmosphere. I wanted all situations to be in the country.”

Stepping down from the position of Executive Director and passing the torch on to Muxlow, Bedard Bidwell plans on a semi-retirement, with one foot in the door.

“I’m transitioned to where my heart is at, and that is clinical director. I teach a lot across Canada and I will be doing more than that. I also supervise and train other therapists.” She also has plans to travel more and spend time making art in the studio barn on her property.

After starting the program, running it and being on call for 37 years, and trying to loosen the reigns for herself from Betamarsh for the past five years, Bedard Bidwell is relieved to step down and leave the program in good hands.

“I’ve been trying to do this for five years and sometimes it is like this rollercoaster of emotions, but I’m mostly relieved because you get to be my age and I really wanted Betamarsh to continue but I knew that I couldn’t continue it. I needed someone that is younger and has the type of energy and patience [lose patience with the various ministries dealing with].”

According to Bedard Bidwell, the right person for the task to step in as the new Executive Director is Muxlow.

Throughout the last five years, Muxlow has moved from residential counsellor, to team leader, to senior team leader and then to program manager. He attributes the hands on, practical work and guidance from Bedard-Bidwell as aspects to his readiness for the new position.

“The practical work – being in the houses, working with the kids on a daily basis. I feel like I have experienced every position and I feel like I have a good grasp on every aspect. I’m excited for it.”

One of the things that Bedard Bidwell wanted to share was the acknowledgement of the support she has received from her husband the past 32 years of running the program.

“My husband, for 32 years, has been my rock. I might not have stayed and continued without his support.”

After opening in 1981 and positively impacting the lives of youth by providing residential treatments and safety for 32 years, Bedard Bidwell can walk away into retirement knowing the program is in good hands.